Greetings from Cannes. It’s always a pleasure to be at the annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, but this year is especially exciting as we’re giving a sneak peek at what advertising within Windows 8 applications can and might look like.

Considering that Windows 8 is an entirely new canvas for us, we decided to tackle the advertising opportunities in an entirely new way. To kick-start the process, as Jennifer Creegan mentioned in her blog, we’re working with a number of creative agencies on potential future brand ads experience concepts within Windows 8 apps. Our agency co-ideation partners include AKQA, Big Spaceship, Razorfish, Team Detroit, UM and Y&R. We’re bringing in these agency partners before formats are even finalized – a first for us.

Everyone is excited to get started already. We’ve shared our code and have asked our agency partners to push us to expand the boundaries of what is possible for engaging and relevant experiences for consumers.  We recently held an initial ideation session, and along with representatives from the six agencies, we’re in the process of developing several high-level ad scenarios that offer a glance at what kinds of innovative advertising experiences could be within Windows 8 apps. It’s energizing to watch all the creative brain power from this session turn into possibilities for brands.

This won’t be the last time you hear of Microsoft Advertising partnering with creative agencies to develop what’s next for advertisers and consumers. Our team is focusing on creative agency evangelism to develop compelling brand experiences that incorporate Microsoft Advertising’s portfolio. This speaks to our commitment to the creative community and our desire to jointly cultivate an experience that’s unique to Windows 8, and allows brands creative freedom to tell their stories and deliver true value to the consumer. We welcome integration and creativity from across the industry.

Stay tuned for more, but for now we’re off to a great start with Windows 8 ads in apps ideas, and look forward to bringing concepts to life later this year. 

Stephen Kim, General Manager, Global Creative Solutions Advertising and Online  - Microsoft Advertising